Sands is here in Leicestershire for everyone touched by pregnancy and baby loss
New support group to hold first meeting on 28 July.
The pregnancy and baby loss charity Sands has welcomed a new volunteer-led support group in Leicestershire to its growing community across the UK.
The first support group meeting will be held at Hallam Fields Hall, Leicester, on 28 July from 7:15pm to 8:45pm and everyone in the area whose lives have been touched by pregnancy or baby loss are welcome.
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Sands has been set up by Claire Alderson, a bereaved mum who wants to help support other parents and grow a compassionate community in the area, as part of Sands’ aims to save babies’ lives and support bereaved families in Leicestershire and across the UK.
Sands volunteer Claire Alderson said: “I wanted to set up a Sands support group for bereaved parents in Leicestershire and Rutland because I know how devastating pregnancy loss or the death of a baby is for anyone who’s experienced this. My son Dylan was born at 42 weeks back in 1997. Dylan sadly died at just one week old, due to errors that were made with his birth and aftercare.
“I have first-hand experience of the importance of being part of a Sands group. I used to travel to the Nottingham Sands group back then, as there wasn’t one in Leicester. The understanding, support, and compassion I received from the group, surrounded by people like me, made me feel less alone.”
Every day in the UK, 13 babies die shortly before, during or soon after birth. And there’s still much uncertainty around the numbers and rates of pregnancy loss, with evidence suggesting at least 1 in 6 pregnancies end in miscarriage. This heartbreak leaves a deep and lasting impact on the lives of parents and families.
Sands volunteer Claire Alderson continued: “If you’ve lost a baby, your grief is unique to you. Parents from all backgrounds experience pregnancy and baby loss, but not everyone gets the same support. Where someone lives, their income and background should never stop anyone from getting the help they need.
“I hope Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Sands will provide a safe, understanding and caring community for anyone touched by pregnancy or baby loss. We can help, whether your loss happened recently or long ago. We’re here to support you whenever you need us.”
Sands offers many types of support. We have specialist, trauma-informed services, including our telephone helpline, email support, and online group sessions. We have a UK-wide network of local groups offering support in the community and social media groups helping people connect wherever they are. There are also free resources for partners, siblings, grandparents, and wider family and friends.
Some bereaved parents might face additional barriers to getting the support they need. Sands offers a range of services, including specific support for Black and South Asian parents, as well as for men.
